Water cooler



L. L. AUSTIN Jan. 9, 1934.

WATER COOLER Filed Jan. 2. 1931 2 Sheets-Sheet 1 III II) INVENTOR. L uuis L. Rusfin QZ a; zfi /w ATTORNEYS.

L.L.AUSflN WATER COOLER Jan. 9, 1934.

2 Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed Jan. 2, 1931 l l m l-hllli vllllllllllllfllll L. 01415 Lflu 51111 %M ATTORN EYS I l u l I I I I l I ml Patented Jan. 9, 1934 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE WATER COOLER Louis L. Austin, Philadelphia, Pa.

Application January 2, 1931. Serial No. 506,246

21 Claims. (01. 62-141) This invention relates to improvements in liquid cooling apparatus.

The primary object of this invention is the provision of an improved apparatus for the cooling of liquids, such as drinking water, and has for an object of the invention apparatus which enables an individual to receive the water under the most favorable sanitary conditions.

Present day water cooling equipment, and that which has been in usefor many years, utilizing large bottle-like containers, are arranged so as to necessitate the inversion of the bottle and the passage of the water through an intermediate chamber prior to dispensing. In this intermediate chamber sediment and unsanitary deposits occur, even under the most favorable circumstances, and it is a well known fact that Water dispensed through such a compartment reaches the user in a farless sanitary condition than the water as it is contained in the bottle prior to discharge into the intermediate compartment. It is therefore an object of my invention to provide an improved mechanically refrigerated water cooler wherein the water just as it is received in the container from a distributor may be received and directly dispensed 'tothe user, and cooled prior to such dispensing operation under conditions which will insure that the user will receive the water without contamination, such as is wont to occur if passed through an intermediate chamber.

A further object of this invention is the provision of an improved mechanically refrigerated water cooler wherein the water is cooled prior to dispensing under highly sanitary conditions, and in a very econmical manner.

Other objects and advantages of this invention will be apparent during the course of the following detailed description.

In the accompanying drawings, forming a part of this specification, and wherein similar reference characters designate corresponding parts throughout the several views,

Figure 1 is a vertical sectional view taken through the improved water cooling device, showing a preferred construction.

Figure 2 is a fragmentary view, partly in section, showing the manner in which the apparatus 0 is used for dispensing cold water.

Figure 3 is an enlarged fragmentary sectional view taken substantially on the line 3-3 of Figure 2, and showing more particularly the swivel connection of the water container and cooling coil upon the supporting frame of the cooler, in

such manner as to permit the transfer of refrigerant.

Figure 4 is an enlarged fragmentary sectional view taken through the swivel joint at the opposite side of the water container from the joint shown in Figure 3.

Figure 5 is a vertical sectional view taken through a modified form of water cooler.

Figure 6 is a. fragmentary view, partly in section, showing the tilting of the water container of the form of cooler shown in Figure 5, for dispensing of water therefrom.

Figure 7 is a further modified form of improved cooler, showing parts thereof in section.

Figure 8 is a side elevation of the form of water cooler of Figure 7, showing the manner in which the same is tilted for dispensing of cold water.

In the drawings, wherein for the purpose of illustration are shown preferred and modified forms of the invention, the letters A, B and C may generally designate preferred and modified forms of the invention, which possess some generic characteristics.

- The forms of invention A and B each consist of a supporting frame structure D tiltably supporting an insulated container E wherein is disposed a cooling coil F adapted to receive a water container G, such as the well known five-gallon bottle of water which is conventionally distributed for use in water coolers. These forms of invention A and B furthermore include a preferably stationary compressor and condenser coil apparatus H, although different means are provided for transferring refrigerant from the apparatus H into thecooling coils F and vice versa.

Further referring to the construction of the supporting stand D, the same is of any approved material, although preferably of steel or some ornamental material which is compactly and ornamentally arranged, preferably for portability. In the main, the same may consist of a platform 10 having supporting legs 11 at the corners thereof, whereon caster wheels 12 may be placed if desired. Upstanding supports 13 and is not a primary consideration, since the same is mounted in such manner upon the frame D as to balance the weight thereof during the tipping of the same for a water dispensing operation. It may consist of an outer container 20 of some material which may be ornamental but is not necessarily so, and this material may be insulation, or it may not be, as desired. The inner container 21 may be of copper or any material desired, and these containers 20 and 21 are relatively spaced at the bottom and the surrounding walls thereof and receive therebetween some insulation material 22, such as compressed cork or the like. The insulated container E is preferably provided with an insulated detachable cover 24 which may be of inverted cone or funnelshaped appearance. It may consist of double walls with insulation material therebetween arranged so as to provide a central opening 25. At its outer periphery the closure 24 is provided with an annular groove adapted to receive the upper margin of the annular wall defining the body of the container E, as shown in the drawingsJSuitable releasable clamps 26 are provided for holding the cover tightly upon the body walls of the container E, and a gasket may be provided at this joint if found necessary to prevent loss of thermal efiiciency. These clamps 26 may be of the spring operated variety, and they are preferably operable merely by pulling up or pushing down upon a hinged handle, in a manner well known in the art .4

relating to clamps.

Referring to details of the mechanical refrigeration apparatus as associated with the heretofore described details, in the forms of invention A and B, it is preferred to dispose the compressor and condenser details on the platform 10. To this end, the compressor 30 is mountedon the platform 10, as is also the operating motor 31. The condenser coil 33 is likewise mounted on the platform 10, and all of these details are suitably arranged on the platform with as little over-all height as possible. They are housed preferably beneath a ventilating hood or cover 34, the side walls of which may have longitudinal vent openings as disclosed.

In both forms of invention A and B the cooling or refrigerating'coil F is mounted in the insulated container E. This coil F may be of any approved nature, and may have associated therewith a brine tank or other receptacle containing a freezing mixture having a high latent heat of fusion, for purposes well known in this'art. The coil F may also be of the well known tank type, and it is preferably fixedly mounted in the insulated container E, axially thereof, having its upper end open to permit the insertion and re-v moval of the water container or bottle G for purposes which are apparent in view of this-disclosure.

Referring now to the means of connecting the condenser coil of the apparatus H with the cooling coil F, the condenser coil 33 is of course connected with the high pressure side of the'compressor 30, and the condenser coil at its lower end is connected with a conduit 40 extending upwardly through the groove 41 of the channelshaped upright 13; this conduit 40 at its upper end extending into the improved pivot mounting 42 by means of which the insulated container E is pivoted upon the uprights 13 and 14.

The pivot mountings 42 for the tiltable container E are disposed at diametrically opposed points on said container. They may each consist of a ball and socket joint, with the ball porpractice.

'type.

tion 44 mounted in the walls of the container E, and the socket 45 detachably mounted at 46 upon the upper end of the frame uprights 13 or 14. The line 40 at the high pressure side of the refrigerating unit connects, as shown in Figure 3, detachably in the part 45 of the joint 42, having a duct or passageway 50 extending into the compartment 51 in the joint 42; the part 44 of the, joint having a duct 52 which conveys the refrigerant into the expansion valve 54 which may bevmounted upon the inner side of the container E directly opposite the respective pivot mounting 42. This expansion valve 54 is of the automatic pressure operated type, although it is to be distinctly understood that in lieu thereof I may employ a float operated type of expansion valve which may be located in the stationary part of the refrigerating unit. The expanded refrigerant is discharged from the valve 54 into the cooling coil or device F either into the lower or upper end thereof, and after passage around the spiral coil the refrigerant passes through the opposite pivot mounting 42 shown in Figure 4 of the drawings, through the discharge line 55 connected therewith, and therefrom the. refrigerant returns to the low pressure side of the compressor 30.through a line 56 extending downwardly through the groove 41 of the other frame upright 14, as shown in Figure 4 of the drawings. The

joint 42 of course is of construction similar to.

that above described for the pivot joint or mounting 42.

* In lieu of the spiral type of cooling coil F above described, I may employ a conventional type of evaporator, and associated therewith may be a tank or jacket-containing a brine or other freezing mixture solution having a high latent heat of fusion, for purposes well known in this art.

It is an essential characteristic, however, to have some sort of cooling device which will enable a facile removal and replacement of water .receptacles G, and at the same time insure that the thermal interchange between the drinking water or other liquid to be cooled and the refrigerant may be-maintained at high-efficiency.

The refrigerating medium may be sulphur dioxide, methyl chloride, or any other suitable and commercial refrigerant. To prevent its leakage from the circuit wherein it is to be confined, all of the joints may be efificiently packed and pro vided with sealing bellows as in conventional It is to be noted that the parts 44 and 45 of the pivot mounting are maintained in leakproof connection by means of a ring-shapedv adjusting nut 60 which compresses packing against the parts 44 and 45. In addition to such leakproof connection, suitable sealing bellows may be connected between the duct 50 and the duct 52, and also between theducts of the conduit-s 55 and56; these sealing bellows being of. not only the longitudinally collapsible type, but having sufficient lateral flexibility as to permit their being twisted through an arc of appreciably more than 180 without fracture or permanent distortion.

It is of course to be understood that the refrigerating unit is of the automatically operated Suitable conventional thermostats or pressure operated control switches and devices may be used.

'Inasmuch as the expansion valve is located directly upon the tiltable container E, and moves therewith, it is preferably of the balance pressure type, although, as above mentioned, a float operated type of expansion valve may be employed,

but it will have to be located somewhere in association with the stationary part H of the refrigerating apparatus.

In order to obtain liquid from the container E it is merely necessary for an operator to grasp the handle and tilt the container at an angle; the cork in the neck of the bottle G of course having first been removed. It is to be noted that the bottle C- is retained against vertical movement in the container E by reason of the clamping of the closure 24 so that a gasket 66 around the central opening 25 in the closure is forced against the base of the neck of the bottle, thus preventing relative movement longitudinally of the bottle during tipping. The operator may swing the container E and its load with facility, due to the balanced mounting of the same.

In the modified form of invention B the refrigerant is conveyed from the stationary part H of the refrigerating unit into the cooling coil or device F by means other than above described for the preferred form of invention A. The container E of the form of invention B is mounted by conventional pivots '70 and '71, upon the uprights 13 and 14 of the frame D. The high pressure refrigerant is conveyed from the condensing coil 33 through a conduit '78, which is of flexible character, housed within suitable flexible cable material '79 of well known type; the flexible conduit '78 conveying the high pressure refrigerant intoan expansion valve 54 possessing characteristics similar to the expansion valve 54. above described; the valve 54 being mounted centrally on the bottom of the container E, as shown, and having connection with the cooling coil H for expanding or vaporizing the refrigerant into the coil F for cooling the same. The refrigerant is returned from the coil H through a conduit 80, which is flexible at the portion which emends through the cable conduit 79, and this conduit extends for connection with the low pressure side of the compressor 30, as is shown in Figures 5 and 6 of the drawings. The cable housing '79 and the flexible conduits '78 and 80 which the same houses are arranged so that they may be extended from or fed into the casing or hood ar through an opening 84; their path of travel being guided by rollers 8.5 if desired. These flexible conduits '78 and 89 may be of the bellows type, having sealed connections, and the housing '79 which receives the same may be of the armored cable type conventionally known as BX tubing.

The operation of the cooler B will be apparent from the foregoing. As the container E is tilted for removing liquid therefrom, or for replacement, the housing '79 moves into or out of the hood 34 in a manner which is apparent from Figure 6, without interfering whatsoever with the refrigerating cycle.

In the form of invention C shown in Figures '7 and 8, the entire refrigerating unit is mounted to tilt with the water or liquid container. To this end, the container E has an upper insulated chamber 90 wherein the cooling coil F is mounted in the same relation as above described for the preferred embodiment of the invention, and for the same purpose, that is, for removably receiving a liquid container G. A closure 24 is associated with the insulated chamber 90 and the container G in the same manner as above described for the forms A and B of the invention. The housing E additionally comprises a lower casing portion 91 which is not insulated, but which is provided with vents 91 therein. It has a bottom 92 whereon the compressor 30, motor 31, and condenser coils 33 are mounted fixedly for movement with the tiltable container E. The high pressure side of the compressor 30 has connection, as shown in Figure '7, with an expansion valve 54"; the valve 54 of course discharging the refrigerant into the cooling coil F; the return of the refrigerant being effected through a conduit 94 which enters the low pres sure side of the compressor 30 in a manner which is perfectly apparent.

The entire housing or container E is mounted upon the uprights 13 and 14 of the frame D; an annular band 97 and stirrup 9'7 receiving the housing E and having pivot extensions 98 detachably connectible with the upper ends of the uprights 13 and 14 The pivots 98 are of course so positioned as to counterbalance the weight of the apparatus received within the housing E, and the manner of removal of the cooled liquid is apparent.

I am aware that it has heretofore been pro-- posed to tiltably mount bottles which are packed in ice so that upon tipping thereof the liquid may be removed. The problem involved under such circumstances, however, is vastly different from that of tiltably mounting a large liquid container, such as the conventionally distributed five-gallon water bottle, in connection with an automatically operated mechanical refrigerating unit under conditions which not only insure the cooling of the liquid in an efficient and practical manner, but also in a highly sanitary condition.

While the apparatus above described is best adaptable as a portable cooling device, complete in itself except for plug-in with an electric circuit, yet the compressor unit in lieu of being carried on the frame I), may be suitably located in some out of the way location, such as a basement or vault, with suitable connection extending to the cooling coil. 1

It is furthermore to be understood that wherever the term cooling coil" is used any suitable cooling device which is capable of receiving re-' frigerant of a mechanical refrigerating apparatus may be used in lieu of a coil.

It will be apparent from the foregoing that the invention comprehends the mechanical cooling of a conventional large water bottle and the contents thereof in an improved manner by so disposing the bottle that it is removable with respect to the cooling coil or cooler portion of the unit and is so related thereto that the bottle may be readily moved and replaced. If it is desired, a draft arm or valve, with suitable vents, may be attached as a stopper in lieu of an ordinary cork, so that the contents of the bottle may be readily and with ease dispensed upon inversion of the bottle or a partial inversion. Of course, when inverted the draft arm will be in position for proper dispensing. If desired, means may be provided to hold the insulated container and bottle in releasable position with the bottle inverted, and it is even within the corn templation of my invention to permanently make the bottle receiving mechanism of such nature that it may receive an inverted bottle and draft mechanism which may be placed or removed in an inverted relation.

Various changes in the shape, size, and arrangement of parts may be made to the forms of invention herein shown and described, without departing from the spirit of the invention or Y the scope of the claims.

I claim:

1. In liquid cooling apparatus the combination of a supporting frame, an insulated container tiltably supported upon said frame, means associated with said container for receiving a liquid containing vessel in an upright position with an upper discharge portion of the vessel extending from the container whereby upon tipping of the container the liquid may be dispensed from the vessel, and mechanical refrigerating apparatus supported on said frame including a heat abstracting device disposed Within said insulated container in a thermal interchange relation with said vessel and the liquid contained therein.

2. In a liquid cooling apparatus the combination of a supporting framework, a tiltable insulated container mounted upon said framework, means in the container for receiving there- 'in a removable liquid containing vessel in an upright relation with a portion of the vessel extending from the insulated container so that upon tipping of the container the liquid may be dispensed directly from said vessel, and mechanical refrigerating apparatus including a cooling device mounted in the insulated container in heat transfer relation with said vessel and tiltable with said container.

3. In liquid cooling apparatus the combination of a supporting framework, an insulated container mounted for tipping upon said framework, means comprising a part of said insulated container for receiving a liquid containing vessel in an upright relation therein during normal positioning of the insulated container with a portion of the vessel extending from the insulated container for dispensing of liquid from the vessel upon tipping of the container in an appropriate relation, and refrigerating apparatus including cooling coils mounted in said insulated container in heat transfer relation surrounding said vessel, said refrigerating apparatus including mechanical means for maintaining said coils at a low temperature.

4. In a liquid cooling device the combination of a supporting frame, an insulated container tiltably supported upon said frame, a cooling coil disposed within the insulated container positioned to provide a chamber directly in the coil, and a removable liquid containing vessel mounted in said chamber and having a portion extending exteriorly at the upper end of said insulated container for direct dispensing of liquid from the vessel upon tipping of the container.

5. In a liquid cooling device the combination of a supporting frame, an insulated container tiltably supported upon said frame, a cooling coil disposed within the insulated container positioned to provide a chamber directly in the coil, a removable liquid containing vessel mounted in said chamber and having a portion extending exteriorly at the upper end of said ,-insulated container for direct dispensing of liquid from the vessel upon tipping of the container, and means connected with said coil for circulating a cooling refrigerant therethrough.

6. In liquid cooling apparatus the combination of a supporting frame, an insulated container comprising an insulated body portion open at the top thereof, an insulated closure having a substantially central opening therein, means for clamping the closure upon the body of the container, means pivotally mounting the body of the container upon said frame so that the container may be tilted, a removable liquid containing vessel mounted in the insulated container having a discharge neck portion extending in a substantially insulated relation through and exteriorly of the opening in the closure of said container so that liquid may be dispensed upon tipping of the container, and a refrigerating coil in the insulated container surrounding the vessel therein.

7. In liquid cooling apparatus and the like the combination of a supporting stand, an insulated container tiltably mounted upon said stand for receiving an upright liquid containing vessel therein in normal position with an upper portion of said vessel extending exteriorly through the insulated container for direct dispensing of liquid upon tipping of the insulated container from its normal position, and mechanical refrigerating apparatus including a refrigerant receiving cooler mounted in the insulated container surrounding said vessel receivedtherein and tiltable with said container and vessel.

8. In liquid cooling apparatus and the like the combination of a supporting stand, an insulated container tiltably mounted upon said stand for receiving an upright liquid containing vessel therein in normal position with an upper portion of said vessel extending exteriorly through the insulated container for direct dispensing of liquid upon tipping of the insulated container from its normal position, and mechanical refrigerating apparatus including a refrigerant receiving cooler mounted in the insulated container surrounding said vessel received therein and tiltable with said container and vessel, said mechanical refrigerating apparatus including a compressor unit having connection with said refrigerant receiving cooler in the insulated container for transfer of refrigerant to and from said cooler.

9. In liquid cooling apparatus and the like the combination of a supporting stand, an insulated container tiltably mounted upon said stand for receiving an upright liquid containing vessel therein in normal position with an upper portion of said vessel extending exteriorly through the insulated container for direct dispensing of liquid upon tipping of the insulated container from its normal position, and mechanical refrigerating apparatus including a refrigerant receiving cooler mounted in the insulated container surrounding said vessel received therein and tiltable With said container and vessel, said mechanical refrigerating apparatus including a compressor unit having connection with said refrigerant receiving cooler in the insulated container for transfer of refrigerant to and from said cooler, and an expansion valve associated with said last mentioned unit for expanding refrigerant into the cooler.

10. In liquid cooling apparatus and the like the combination of a supporting stand, an insulated container tiltably mounted upon said stand for receiving an upright liquid containing vessel therein in normal position with an upper portion of said vessel extending exteriorly through the insulated container for direct dispensing of liquid upon tipping of the insulated container from its normal position, and mechanical refrigerating apparatus including a refrigerant receiving cooler mounted in the insulated container surrounding said vessel received therein and tiltable with said container and vessel, said mechanical refrigerating apparatus including a compressor unit having connection with said cooler in the insulated container for transfer of refrigerant to and from said cooler and an expansion valve mounted in said container and associated with said unit for expanding refrigerant into the cooler.

11. In, liquid cooling apparatusand the lik the combinationof a supporting stand; a tiltable, insulated container carried by the stand adapted to receive a liquid containing vessel in an upright relation therein during normal positioning of the container, said container having an opening therein in its upper portion through which the neck of the vessel extends for direct discharge of liquid therefrom upon tilting of the container and vessel, a cooling coil in the container in heat transfer relation with said vessel and the contents thereof, a compressor unit supported on the stand beneath said tiltable container, and means associated between said compressor unit and cooling coil for the discharge of expanded refrigerant into the cooling coil and the transfer of refrigerant from the coil to the compressor unit.

12. In liquid cooling apparatus and the like the combination of a supporting stand, a tiltable insulated container carried by the stand adapted to receive a liquid containing vessel in an upright relation therein during normal positioning of the container, said container having an opening therein in its upper portion through which the neck of the vessel extends for direct discharge of liquid therefrom upon tilting of the container and vessel, a cooling coil in the container in heat transfer relation with said vessel and the contents thereof, a compressor unit supported on the stand beneath said tiltable container, means associated between said compressor unit and cooling coil for the discharge of expanded refrigerant into the cooling coil and the transfer of refrigerant from the coil to the compressor unit, said last mentioned means extending directly through the location of tiltable mounting of the container upon said stand.

13. In water cooling apparatus the combination of a supporting stand, an insulated container, means pivotally mounting the insulated container in substantially balanced relation at substantially diametrically opposed points thereon upon said stand, means associated with said insulated container for receiving a liquid dispensing vessel therein with a portion extending from the container for direct dispensing of liquid therefrom upon pivotal movement of the container from a normal position, a cooling device mounted in said insulated container in thermal interchange with the vessel and liquid therein, and means exteriorly of the container for transferring refrigerant through the means which pivotally mounts the container upon the stand into the cooling device and from said cooling device in a return relation.

14. In liquid cooling apparatus the combination of a supporting frame, an insulated container, pivots mounting the insulated container in substantially balanced relation at opposed points upon said frame, a liquid dispensing device associated with said insulated container for dispensing liquid therefrom upon tipping of the container, a cooling coil in the insulated con tainer associated with said device, and mechanical refrigerating apparatus including a compressor unit exteriorly of said insulated container having means for transfer of refrigerant therefrom through one of the pivots of the insulated container into the cooling coil, said cooling coil and compressor unit having means associated therewith for transfer of refrigerant from the cooling coil through the other pivot of the insulated container in a return relation to said compressor unit.

l 15. In liquid cooling apparatus the combination of a'supporting frame, a tiltable insulated container mounted upon said frame having means for receiving a liquid containing vessel therein, means associating the said vessel with the insulated container so as to directly dispense liquid from the vessel, a cooling coil in the insulated container surrounding said vessel, a sta: tionary compressor unit, and flexible tubular means connecting the compressor unit with the cooling coil for transferring refrigerant between said cooling coil and compressor unit in a noninterfering relation with the tipping of said container.

16. In liquid cooling apparatus and the like the combination of a supporting frame, an insulated container pivotally mounted upon the supporting frame having means associated therewith for receiving an upright liquid containing vessel when the container is normally positioned, said vessel having an exterior dispensing opening through said container for discharge of liquid therefrom upon tipping of the container, and mechanical refrigerating apparatus tiltable with said container including a cooler in heat transfer relation within said container with said vessel and its contents.

17. In liquid cooling apparatus and the like the combination of a supporting frame, an insulated container pivotally mounted upon the supporting frame having means associated therewith for receiving an upright liquid containing vessel when the container is normally positioned, said vessel having an exterior dispensing opening through said container for discharge of liquid therefrom upon tipping of the container, mechan-- ical refrigerating apparatus tiltable with said container including a cooling device in heat transfer relation within said container'with said vessel and its contents, and a refrigerant unit beneath the insulated container and mounted for tipping therewith having refrigerant conduit connections with said cooling device.

18. In liquid cooling apparatus the combination of an insulated container, mechanical refrigerating apparatus including a cooler portion disposed within the insulated container, a conventional water transport bottle removably mounted in an insulated relation within the container in relation to be cooled by the cooler portion of said mechanical refrigerating apparatus, and means for withdrawing liquid from the bottle directly andvwithout the necessity of passing through an intermediate chamber.

19. In liquid cooling apparatus the combination of an insulated container, mechanical refrigerating apparatus including a cooler portion disposed within the insulated container, a conventional water transport bottle removably mounted in an insulated relation within the container in relation to be cooled by the cooler portion of said mechanical refrigerating apparatus, said bottle having a portion operably extending from the insulated container for withdrawal of liquid from the bottle without the necessity of passing through an intermediate chamber, and means for moving the insulated container and bottle so that the liquid may be dispensed substantially in its entirety.

20. In liquid cooling apparatus the combination of an insulated container, a removable conventional water transport bottle mounted in the container with the neck portion extending therefrom operable for the dispensing of liquidfrom the bottle, and mechanical refrigerating appaventional transport water bottle removably mounted in insulated relation Within the container and in relation'to be cooled by the cooler portion of the refrigerating apparatus, and means movablymounting the bottle so that liquid is withdrawn directly through the normal neck and mouth of the said bottle and withoutthe necessity of passing the water through an intermediate chamber.

LOUIS L. AUSTIN. 

